Stacker



June 24, 1969 R. L. sJosTRoM STACKER Sheet A Filed Sept. 12. 1966 i /A/l/E/VTOR Jowf'w June 24, 1959 R. L. sJosT-ROM STACKER Sheet A. of 5 Filed Sept. 12. 1966 June 24, 1969 R. L. sJosTRoM STACKER 3.ars

Sh'eet Filed Sept. 12I 1966 my W S lm fr. M on June 24, 1969 vR. L. sJosTRoM 3,451,562

STACKER Filed sept. 12. 196s sheet ml, of 5 F57' 5 QE@ www QWWW #im June 24, 1969 R. sJosTRoM STACKR sheet 5 ots l Filed Sept. 12, 1966 nvm/ro@ United States Patent U.S. Cl. 214-6 7 'Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE A stacker for a plurality of folded sheets in which successive sheets are fed forwardly by a belt to a rst position and then raised upwardly by an elevator to a second position. A cradle engages and supports the successively delivered sheets in a stack in the second position with each later delivered sheet positioned below the earlier delivered sheet, A means comprising a carriage and a pusher are provided for moving the stack forwardly at selected intervals from the cradle. The pusher includes means for engaging and raising the rear edge of the stack and the cradle includes side plates resiliently tensioned toward the sides of the stack of sheets.

The present invention relates to a stacker mechanism particularly adapted for use with folding machines for flexible sheets.

Many folding machines, particularly those designed for folding textile materials, sheets, towels and the like are used in conjunction with a variety of integrated stacking mechanism which are designed to receive and stack the folded articles in selected numbers. Many of the now existing stacking mechanisms have limitations with respect to the speed, neatness or accuracy with which they 0perate. These factors are of some commercial importance in selling these machines in a highly competitive industry. Consequently it is an object of the present invention to provide an eicient -and accurate stacking mechanism for folding machines which is capable of stacking multiple folded articles with such uniformity that all the edges of the folded articles are vertically aligned.

It is also an object of the present invention t0 provide a stacking mechanism for a folding machine which is simple in operation, inexpensive to maintain and repair, sturdy and unlikely to break down, and unlikely to malfunction.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially cross sectional side elevational view of a machine embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is an end elevation in partial fragmentation looking from the left of FIG. 1 of the right side of the machine;

FIG. 2A is an end elevation and partial fragmentation looking from the left of FIG. 1 of the left side of the machine, FIG. 2A being a mirror image of FIG. 2 and illustrating a part integral therewith;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective View of a pusher mechanism which is shown at the right of FIG. l; and

FIG. 4 is a top plan view in partial fragmentation.

The stacker mechanism of this invention is adapted to be used on the frame of a variety of folding machines on which folded articles are successively delivered. The folder described in United States Patent No. 3,190,640 is typcial of the type of machine with which this folder may be used. Frame of this machine projects forwardly from the delivery end of the folder to provide a supporting means for the stack mechanism. The frame includes a pair of opposite side bars or plates 11. Suitably 3,451,562 Patented June 24, 1969 secured to each of the plates 11 are upper and lower guide bars 12 and 13 respectively which form opposed parallel guide rails. These bars 12 and 13 may be suitably Secured by bolts 14 or other suitable means. Also forming a part of the frame 10 are integrally connected side and end members 15, 16 which provide suitable support for the various components comprising the stacker.

A pair of shafts 17 are each supported for rotation on the side plates 11 by a plurality of suitable journalling means 18. These journalling means 18 may each comprise journals supported on brackets in turn bolted by bolts 19 and nuts 20 to the plates 11. A stacker cradle comprising a pair of opposed similar portions 21 is supported with one portion secured for pivoting movement to each of the shafts 17. Each portion 21 of the stacker cradle includes a supporting side plate 22. The plate 22 is secured by rods or other suitable securing means 23 to a shaft 17 so that the plate 22 may pivot with the shaft 17. Continuous with the lower edge of plate 22 are a plurality of lingers 24 which extend angularly from plate 22. Preferably ngers 24 and plate 22 are at right angles to one another. Spaced equally from each plate 22 and substantially parallel to it is adjustable aligning plate 25. This aligning plate 25 is supported for movement toward and away from plate 22 by a plurality of pins 26. These pins 26 have coaxially mounted on them springs 26a interposed between the plates 22 and 25 so that the plates 25 are tensioned inwardly toward one another. The pins 26 are secured at their outer end to the plate 22 by bolts and/or washers or other suitable means 27.

Also secured to each plate 22 is a hinged front plate 30. Each front plate 30 is suitably secured by hinges 31 to the forward end of plate 22. The plate 30 is normally positioned in a plane normal to the plane of plate 22 but is adapted to pivot forwardly from that position. A stop pin 32 is secured to a lip 33 flared from the adjustable plate 25. This stop pin 32 provides a limit to rearward movement of the plate 30. The plate 30 is normally tensioned against this pin 32 by a spring 34 which is secured at one end to the plate 25 and at the other end to the hinged forward plate 30 (FIG. 1).

The rear end of shaft 17 is connected to a suitable power source for reciprocally rotating the shaft over an arc of approximately 45 degrees from the position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 to the position in which the lingers 24 are in a horizontal position. This connection may comprise `a linkage which includes arm 40 connected at one end to the end of shaft 17 for rotation thereof. The other end of arm 40 is pivotally linked to connecting rod 42. Rod 42 is connected to cam follower 100 through the L-shaped lever 101 which is pivotally supported on pin 102, in turn secured to the frame. The cam follower is maintained in contact with the cam 99 by spring which in turn is suitably supported on the frame of the machine. Cam 99 is keyed to drive shaft 93 which in turn is connected by suitable means such as gearing or chain drive to a frame source such as -a motor (not shown).

Atthe forward end of the support of the frame 10 is an elevator mechanism 50 (FIG. 2) This elevator mechanism 50 comprises an opposed pair of a plurality of parallel fingers 51. These lingers 51 are formed with a horizontal component or leg v52 and continuous vertical component or leg 53. These legs 52 and 53 are adapted to move in a vertical reciprocal motion between the iingers 24 when the fingers 24 have been pivoted downwardly to a position as illustrated in FIG. 2. The lower ends of the components 53 are continuous with the laterally extending finger 56 which in turn are secured to longitudinally extending plate 57 4by bolts 58 or other suitable means. The longitudinally extending plate 57 in turn is secured to supporting platforms 59 by bolts 60. The platform is provided with sleeves or collars 61 into which the ends of the Vertical guide shafts 62 extend. Preferably two of such shafts 62 constructions are provided.

Also suitably supported on the frame are a pair of belt rolls 70 and 71 respectively at the rear and forward end in the machine. These rolls 70 and 71 are suitably supported at their ends between the side members of the frame. These rolls carry a belt 73 which has an upper surface adapted to move from the rear to the forward end of the machine. The 4belt 73 has a width which is less than the distance between the aligned ends of the opposite iingers 52 so that these fingers may be moved from a position below the belts when in a retracted position to a position above the belts as illustrated in FIG. 2. The belt 73 is adapted to move continuously except when stopped by suitably located lmicroswitch 110.

A pair of spaced parallel longitudinal plates 81 are provided, each with a series of fingers 81A between which fingers 52 may be moved upwardly and between which belt 73 may also move. These plates 81 are suitably secured to cross beam members 83 which in turn are secured at their ends to the side frame members. Hold down bar 84 spans the top of the belt toward the forward end of the machine. The belt moves underneath this hold down bar 84.

Plate 57 is adapted to be moved vertically by cam follower 88 which is suitably secured at its upper end to the plate 57. The follower wheel 91 and cam follower 88 engages cam 92 at the lower end of the cam follower. Cam 92 is fixed to the drive shaft 93 for rotation therewith. The cam follower 88 projects through support plate 110A, in turn supported on plate 111. Plate 111 is in turn secured to the frame by cross braces 112. Journal members 113 supported on the braces 112 engage and guide the cam follower 88. The plate 57 is normally tensioned downwardly by spring 115 (FIG. 2) which is secured at its upper end to the plate 57 and at its lower end to a bracket connected to the plate 110A.

A pusher arm, shown in exploded perspective, is positioned at the rear end of the machine. This pusher arm includes a carriage 120 comprising a cross member 121 having supports 122 at each end with rollers or other suitable means 123 for sliding in the channels formed by the bars 12 and 13. A pusher 124 is centrally secured to and moved by the carriage 120. This pusher 124 includes a boss 125 interconnecting rearwardly extending Ileg 126 to which is secured downwardly extending leg 130. The L-shaped member 127 comprised of integral connected vertical leg 128 and horizontal leg 129 is pivotally secured to the lower end of leg 130. This pivotal interconnection may be provided by a rearwardly extending tongue 132 pivotally engaged to the lower end of leg 130 :by pin 131. The carriage 120 is reciprocated forwardly and rearwardly the length of the stacker by the lever mechanism 135. The mechanism includes an L-shaped lever arm formed of legs 13S and 141 pivotally supported to the frame of the machine at their adjacent ends 140 by suitable means 141. Link 136 pivotally interconnects end 139 of leg 138 with the carriage through a stud 137 centrally located on cross member 121. End 142 of leg 141 is pivotally secured to the yoke 143 by pin 143A. Yoke 143 is secured to the plunger arm of air cylinder 144. Air cylinder 144 is in turn pivotally supported at its other end to the frame at l'aligned ears 145 by pin 146. The air cylinder is controlled by conventional means which may be actuated by microswitch 110 through a suitable and conventional counter whereby the air cylinder will be actuated to reciprocate carriage 120 periodically, as for example once every twenty-tive actuations of microswitch 110 (or rotations of shaft 93).

In the operation of this invention individually folded napkins or other small articles are fed from the folding machine onto the rear end of belt 73. The yfolded napkin is carried forward by this belt until its leading edge strikes microswitch at the for-ward end of the machine. On actuation of microswitch 110 to shaft 93 is caused by suitable means, as for example by a clutch engagement with a motor source to rotate once. This causes a sequential operation of the stacker cradle and elevator mechanism 50. First, the cradle pivots open to the position shown in FIG. 2 on rotation of shafts 417, through elements 100, 101, 102, 42 and 40. Immediately subsequently the elevator mechanism 50 is raised. This raises the folded napkin upwardly above the fingers 24 of the cradle. The cradle then returns to its original position engaging the delivered napkin from underneath to complete the cycle. In subsequent cycles the napkins already positioned in the cradle are dropped onto subsequently delivered napkins so as to form a pile.

When a pile or stack of napkins of suitable number have been positioned in the cradle the pusher mechanism is actuated. This pusher may be automatically .actuated or alternately manually controlled to push the stack of napkins from the cradle while fingers 24 are in a horizontal position. The stack is pushed onto a suitable table or receiving conveyor which may be aligned with the fingers 24 while in a horizontal position. As the carriage moves forwardly the vertical leg -128 of the L-shaped member engages the 4rear ends of the stack of napkins. As the leg 128 comes into firm engagement with these rear ends it pivots from a normal position in which its upper end is tilted forwardly to a substantially vertical position. This causes the horizontal leg 129 to pivot upwardly engaging the rear end of the lowermost napkin, thereby lifting the rear end of the stack from engagement with the fingers 24 of the cradle, as the pile or stack of napkins is being pushed forwardly from the cradle.

I claim:

1. A stacker mechanism for a plurality of folded sheets comprising,

belt means for successively delivering sheets to a iirst position,

elevator means for raising said successively delivered sheets to a second position above said first position, cradle means for engaging and supporting said successively delivered sheets in a stack in said second position with each later delivered sheet positioned below the earlier delivered sheets, and means for forwardly moving said stack at selected intervals comprising a carriage, means for forwardly moving said carriage,

a pusher means supported on said carriage for forward movement and including means for engaging the bottom rear edges of said stack and means for lifting only the rear end of said stack from said cradle as said pusher initially engages and pushes said stack forwardly.

'2. A stacker mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pusher means comprises a pair of arms with one arm adapted to engage the rear edges of said stacked sheets and the other is adapted to engage the underside of the lowermost sheet positioned in said cradle means and raise said stack at the rear end thereof.

3. A stacker mechanism .as set forth in claim 2 wherein said pair of arms are integrally connected together at adjacent ends to form an L-shaped member.

4. A stacker mechhanism as set forth in claim 3,

means pivotally supporting said L-shaped member on said carriage whereby engagement of said one arm with the rear edges of said sheets on forward movement of said carriage causes said other arm to pivot upwardly into lifting engagement with the rear end of said stack of sheets.

5. A stacker mechanism for a plurality of folded sheets comprising, belt means for successively delivering sheets to a first position, elevator means adapted to move upwardly for raising said successively delivered sheets to a second position above said first position and adapted thereafter to move downwardly, cradle means for engaging and supporting said successively delivered sheets in a stack in said second position with each later-delivered sheet positioned below the earlier-delivered sheets, means for moving said cradle means from a position supporting said stack as said elevator means raises a sheet and for moving said cradle means into supporting engagement with said stack as said elevator moves downwardly, means for forwardly moving said stack at selected intervals comprising a carriage, means for forwardly moving said carriage, a pusher means supported on said carriage for forward movement and including means for engaging the rear edges of said stack and side plate means adapted to engage the sides of said .stack of sheets supported on said cradle, means resiliently tensioning said side plate means toward said stack of sheets to limit lateral movement of said stack as said stack is moved forwardly, a forward plate adapted to engage the forward edge of said stack of sheets, and means hingin'g said forward plate to said cradle.

6. A stacker mechanism as set forth in claim 5 wherein said pusher means includes means for engaging and raising the rear end of said stack.

7. A stacker mechanism as set forth in claim 6 wherein said fpusher means comprises a pair of integrally connected arms in an L-shape with one arm adapted to engage the rear edges of said stacked sheets and the other is adapted to engage the underside of the lowermost sheet positioned in said cradle means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,013,369 12/1961 Wilson etal. 3,039,624 6/ 1962 Campbell. 3,054,515 9/1962 Nawman. 1,847,812 3/1932 Burton et al. 2,688,414 9/ 1954 Haas. 3,092,266 6/ 1963 Koning. 3,171,550 3/1965 Gajdostik. 3,220,570 1 l/ 1965 Swanson et al.

FOREIGN PATENTS 835,565 5/ 1960 Great Britain.

GERALD M. FORLENZA, Primary Examiner'. R. I. SPAR, Assistant Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 214-16 

